Vegetable Siniya

Siniya is like a Middle Eastern shepherd’s pie. It’s usually little patties of ground lamb and/or beef, topped with a thick layer of tahini sauce. This is a cauliflower/caramelized onion (or lentil) version!

Vegetable Siniya

INGREDIENTS
1 Spanish onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
optional: 2 c water, 1/2 cup white wine (to flavor the caramelized onions)
1.5 tbs hawayej (Yemenite spice blend - see below)
whole cauliflower, roasted
olive oil
1 c of Organic Tahini
1/4 c cold water
1/2 lemon
1/2 tsp salt
pine nuts
parsley

Lentil option:
1.5 tbs salt
2 c lentils
1/2 c tomato paste
1 Spanish onion, chopped
1 garlic head, minced
2 c water
Fry the onions and add lentils, hawayej, 1.5 tbs salt, garlic and tomato paste. Let cook for a minute. Add 2 cups of water and let cook until tender, about 40-50 min. While lentils are cooking, roast the cauliflower.

Hawayej spice blend - NY Times
2 tbsp ground cumin
1.5 tsp ground cardamom
1 tbsp turmeric
1.5 tsp ground coriander
2 tbsp freshly ground black pepper

adapted from seedandmill.com